Born in Hitchin, Hertfordshire,[2] Blindell was first elected as the constituency's MP at a by-election in March 1929, caused by the death of the Conservative MP Arthur Dean.[3] At the time he was a councillor in Grimsby and managing director of a boot manufacturing business. Blindell overturned a Conservative majority of nearly 5,000 to win with a majority of 3,706.[1] His victory was the last Liberal by-election gain until Torrington in 1958.
He was re-elected as a Liberal National at the 1931 general election and at the 1935 general election. In both elections, the Conservatives (who also supported the National Government) did not field a candidate against him, and he was returned with large majorities.[2]
Blindell was knighted in 1936. He was killed in a car accident in 1937 in Stickford, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire. The car overturned when the driver swerved to avoid dogs in the road. Sir James died within five minutes of massive head injuries. Lady Blindell survived the accident with minor injuries.[2]
^ abcdCraig, F. W. S. (1983) [1969]. British parliamentary election results 1918–1949 (3rd ed.). Chichester: Parliamentary Research Services. p. 414. ISBN0-900178-06-X.
^ abcd"Obituary: Sir J. Blindell, M.P. – A Fatal Motor Accident". The Times. 11 May 1937. p. 24.